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PS 3503 
.R53 M3 
1921 
Copy 




1 ^enisorHs Select T^lays 



VI 




Plays for Schools and Collegi 

AARON BOGGS, FRESHMAN 

By Walter Ben Hare. Comedy in 3 acts; 8 malej 
females. Time. 2^^ hours. Price, 35 Cei 

AFTER THE GAME~~ 

By Lindsey Barbee. Comedy in 2 acts; 1 male 
females. Time, ll^ tiours. Price, 25 Ce 

ALL A MISTAKE 

By W. C. Parker. Farce-comedy in S acts; 4 male 
females. Time, 2 hours. Price, 35 Ce 



ALL ON ACCOUNT OF POLLY 

By Harry L. Newton. Comedy in 3 acts; 6 males, 
females. Time, 2i/4. hours. Price, 35 Cei 

AS A WOMAN THINKETH V. 

By Edith F. A. U. Painton. Comedy in 3 acts; 9 ma 

7 females. Time, 2i^ hours. Price, 35 Ce 

AT THE END OF THE RAINBOW 

By Lindsey Barbee. Comedy in 3 acts; 6 males, 14 
males. Time, 2^^ hours. Price, 35 Ce 

THE CLASS SHIP 

By Edith F. A. U. Painton. Commencement p] 
let; 3 males, 8 females. Time, 35 minutes. 

Price, 25 Ce 

CLUBBING A HUSBAND 

By Edith F. A. U. Painton, Comedy in 3 acts; 12 
males. Time, 2 hours. Price, 35 Ce 

A COLLEGE TOWN 

By Walter Ben Hare. Farce-comedy in 3 acts; 9 ms 

8 females. Time, 2V4 hours. Price, 35 Ce 

THE DEACON ENTANGLED 

By Harry Osborne. Comedy in 3 acts; 6 males, 4 
males. Time, 2 hours. Price, 35 Ce 

AN EARLY BIRD 

By Walter B. Hare. Comedy in 3 acts; 7 males, 7 
males. Time, 214. hours. Price, 35 Ce 

THE FIFTEENTH OF JANUARY 

By Lindsey Barbee. Comedy in 3 acts; 11 males 
females. Time, 214 hours. Price, 35 Ce 

THE GRADUATE'S CHOICE 

By Edith F. A. U. Painton. Commencement playlet 
females. Time, 35 minutes. Price, 25 Ce 

T. S. Denison & Company, Publishers 

623 S. Wabash Ave. ' CHICA 



WAY DOWN ALONG 

A Cape Cod Comedy in Prologue 
and Two Acts 



Gladys Ruth Bridgham 

AUTHOR OK 

"Step Lively," " Bro^cn-tyed Betty," "At the Sij^n of the 

Shooting Star," "Mrs. Haywood's Help," 'Excuse Me!" 

" The Hurdy-Gurdy Girl," " The Thirteenth Star," "A 

Regular Rah! Rah! Boy," "Sally Lunn," Etc. 




CHICAGO 

T. S. DENISON & COMPANY 
Publishers 

C112.13 



WAY DOWN ALONG 



?^^' 



t.) v-."^ 






NOTICE 

Production of this play is 
free to amateurs, but the sole 
professional nshts are reserved 
bj- \\w autlior, who may be ad- 
dressed in tare of the Publish- 
ers. Moving picture rights re- 
served. 



COPYRIGHT, 1921, BY 
GLADYS RUTH BRIDGHAM 

©CI.D 587:^1 

St? 26 '21 



WAY DOWN ALONG 



FOR SEVEN MEN AND THREE WOMEN 



CAST OF CHARACTERS 

Cap'n Enoch Denning. .Shipper of the ''Lila Belle'* 
Cap'n Perez Xickerson. .Skipper of the ''Xellie Dar- 
ling'*; later Keeper of 
'* Harbor View Light.'" 

Joe Cruger Nickersons Nephew 

Thomas Bangs The Doctor 

Tony Alve The Town Crier 

John Nelson A Business Man 

Oliver Hastings Nelsons Valet 

Ketury Bangs Tom's Mother 

Margaret Mathewson The School Teacher 

Betty Nickerson's Waj'd 



Time — Prologue, Springtime, Eighteen Years ago. 

Acts I and H, The Present; Late Afternoon and the 
Next Morning. 

Place — Down Along Cape Cod Way. 

Time of Playing — About Two Hours. 

Prologue — Living room called the "cabin" of Cap'n 
Denning's home on the shore, Harbor View, 
Cape Cod ; spring, eighteen years ago. 

Acts I and II — Room in the Harbor View Light- 
House, V^ay Down Along. 



WAY DOWN ALONG 



STORY OF THE PLAY 

Cap'n Nickerson and Cap'n Denning who are old 
shipmates make their home in Cap'n Denning's house 
on the shore of Harhor A'iew, Cape Cod. Each is about 
to start on a voyage. Before leaving, Cap'n Denning 
writes a letter which he gives to Nickerson with in- 
structions to open after he has gone, and with the 
information that it contains a secret of his life which 
he holds Nickerson on his word of honor never to tell. 
Denning had a daughter Anna, who had gone away 
and married and he had never heard from her since. 
Just after he leaves, Tom Bangs, who is studying med- 
icine in Boston, comes home with Anna's baby and the 
news that Anna has died the night before in a Boston 
hospital. 

Nickerson opens Denning's letter to find that his 
shipmate is never coming back and circumstances lead 
them to believe that Denning has committed suicide. 
Nickerson carelessly leaves the letter on the table, 
where it is taken by Tony Alve, the Town Crier, wlio 
is simple-minded, and uses it to write down a jingle he 
has composed. Nickerson decides that it is his duty 
to give up the sea and become a grandfather to his 
sliipmate's granddaughter. 

Eigliteen years later finds Nickerson the keeper of 
the Harbor View^ Light. Anna's daughter, Betty, lias 
grown into a charming girl loved by everyone, and the 
idol of Nickerson's life. Tom, who loved Anna in his 
younger days, now finds h.imself in love \v\ih the daugh- 
ter, but believes his case is hopeless because of the dif- 
ference in their years. During a storm a \'acht is 



WAY DOWN ALONG 



wrecked on the cliffs and one of the party, John Nelson, 
is hurt. They seek shelter in the light-house. Nelson 
proves to be Betty's father and Nickerson thinks it is 
her duty to go away with her father, who is a wealthy 
man and can give her every advantage in life. Den- 
ning, who is of the party, is Nelson's partner. He 
has changed from a rough sea-faring man to a hard- 
headed man of business. He now tells Nelson that lie 
has ruined him; that he left Harbor View to find Anna's 
husband and get revenge; that Nelson once took away 
from him all that life held dear and that now he has 
taken from him all that he has in life. 

Tony Alve is dying and Tom is attending him. 
Among Tony's things Tom finds the letter which Den- 
ning wrote eighteen years ago. It contains the infor- 
mation that Anna was not Denning's daughter, but 
Tony Alve's, and Betty is Alve's granddaughter. 
Alve dies leaving Betty a little fortune. She turns to 
her father saying that she doesn't believe her mother 
would have wished for revenge and asks him to take 
her money to start life again. This leaves her free to 
decide upon her future for herself, and her choice is to 
remain with Tom, Way Down Along. 



COSTUMES AND CHARACTERISTICS 

THE PROLOGUE 

Denning and Nickerson — Are Cape Cod skippers, 
about forty-five years old. Rather rough in man- 
ners and sea lingo. Nickerson easily excited and 
explosive in his remarks ; both are tanned by sun 
and sea. They wear blue uniforms. 



WAY DOWN ALONG 



Joe Cruger — Twenty-five ; the ordinary sea-faring 
young man — blue uniform. 

Tony Alve — Forty; an old sailor rig. He is simple- 
minded, has a vacant stare. 

Tom Bangs — About twenty. Gray business suit. A 
trifle self-important. 

Ketury — Forty. Calico dress, shawl. Tall and thin, 
sharp-featured and sharp-tongued. 



the play 

(The Characters are all eighteen years older than in 
prologue. ) 

Denning — Has snow-white hair and beard; he has 
dropped his sea lingo and developed into hard- 
headed business man. Dark-blue business suit. 

NicKERsoN — Is more refined in manners and conversa- 
tion. Has grown into a lovable old man. Wears 
uniform of light-house keeper. 

Joe Cruger — A present-day skipper. 

Nelson — Is* thirty-eight. Typical young business 
man. 

Oliver — About twenty-one. English servant — might, 
be dressed as chauffeur. 

Ketury — Black dress, heavy coat, hat and veil. 

Margaret — About thirty. Serge suit, silk waist, 
sailor hat. Sweet type of young woman, not very 
strong and rather sad. 

Betty — Eighteen. Blue middy suit, with bright red 
cap and tie. Change for act three to plaid ging- 
ham. Bright, lively, strong, rosy ; loved by every- 
one. 



WAY DOWN ALONG 



LIST OF PROPERTIES 

Prologue 

Center table. On table paper, pen, bottle of ink. 

Old-fashioned hair cloth sofa. 

Two small chairs. 

Arm chair with cushion seat. 

Rocking chair off stage which is brouglit in by Nick- 

ERSON. 

Small table. On table glass case with shells and sea 

curios. 
Chest. On chest model of ship. 
Clock. 

Picture frame, without picture. 
Bag and letter for Denning. 
Telegram for Ketury. 
Paper and bell for Tony. 

Acts I and II. 

Dining table. Red cover and lantern on table. 

Four dining chairs. 

Arm chair. 

Rocking chair. 

Cupboard. Table cloth and dishes in cupboai-d. 

Small bookcase with open shelves, containing books. 

Lantern chimney for Nickerson. 

Packages for Betty. 

Wine glass for Betty. 

Doctor's case for Betty. 

Dust pan and brush for Betty. 

Letter for Tom. 



8 WAY DOWN ALONG 

Act II. 

Dishes for Oliver and Ketury. 
Towel for Ketury. 
Pitcher for Betty. 



SCENE PLOT 

Prologue. 

Back Drop -Ocean 



Riqhl 




Door Windov 



CciocK Chair 

□ HalrCloth^ 

Q DChaii 

Table- _^ . ., - 

Glass Case d^^'-'^l^.^^^ir , Table Q ^nest-^ 

on Top C.sh,on5e3t chaIr MoSdofn 

Ship on Top V-J 



Acts I and II. 

White Wall Back Drop Ocean Back Drop 

.Door. 



/ 



Window CupboarcJ 



^. Chair^^ Winciow \\ 

Door O D/o^Chair ru ■ A 

r Rockrn^ Chair \^ O Chair dY 

/y Small Red Cover ^ Door 

Ri^ht /^^°°^ ^''^ Arm Chair \ Left 

Stage Directions. 

R. means right of stage; C, center; R, C, right 
center; L., left; 1 E., first entrance; U. E., upper 
entrance; R. 3 E., right entrance, up stage; D. F., 
door in flat, or scene running across the back of the 
stage, etc. ; up stage, away from footlights ; down stage, 
near footlights. The actor is supposed to be facing 
the audience. 



WAY DOWN ALONG 

Prologue. 

Scene: Cabin of Cap'n Enoch Denning's home. 
Door at left; windozc at left center, door at right center 
in back fiat, through both is a view of the sea. Table 
and two chairs at center. On this are a bottle of ink, 
pen and paper. Arm chair down right, clock at right 
up stage. Chair down left center which Nickerson 
drags in near the end of the prologue. At right down 
stage, a table on which is a glass case containing shells 
and other sea curios. On wall left picture frame with- 
out picture. At left np stage, an old haircloth sofa; 
at left down stage, chest on which is a model of a ship. 
On floor near door in back flat, is Denning's bag. 

LrGHTs : Full on, as it is afternoon, three o'clock. 

At curtain Denning sits at center table writing a 
letter, he folds the letter, places it in envelope and seals 
if. Clock strikes three. 

Cap'n Perez Nickerson comes to door at L. 

Nickerson {from door). Six bells and all's well. 
Denning. Riglit you are, mate. Mighty nigh time 
for me to pull up anchor. 

Nickerson entering L. 

Nickerson. I can't see no way the sense in you 
leaving the Lila Belle in Boston. 

Dkxning (rising). I've told you steen times she 
sprung a leak aft. 

Nickerson. Well, Mat Freeman has always been 

9 



10 WAY DOWN ALONG 

good enough to do the job afore. Wliat's the matter 
witli liiiii now? 

Di:nnixg. Not a thing. Not a tiling. I jest 
wanted a little land travel for a change. 

NicKERSON. Well, everyone for his fancy as the old 
lady said when she got her first ride in a ortymobile, 
but personally I miss the horse. Gorry mighty, when 
I get shet up in one of them cars I feel like a clam in 
a bucket and personally I miss the sea. And by Chris- 
mus, if I couldn't see the Nellie Darling off to eastward 
V(] feel as if Vd been cast ashore fifty thousand miles 
from home and not a sail in sight. (Dexxixg picks 
up his bag.) I'll trot along down to the train with 
ye. 

Denxing. No, I don't want you should, Perez. 

NicKERSOX. Well, gorry mighty, if you're getting 
so all fired tony — 

Denning. No, 'taint that! 'Taint that! Vou 
know better. I been writing you a letter, Perez, an' I 
want you to stay right here and read it. 

NicKERSON (staggered). A letter? Me? You? 
Read it? " 

Dexxixg. There, there, Perez! Don't get so ex- 
cited. 

NiCKERSON. Me? Excited? I ain't nothin' o' the 
kind. Tm calm as a sou'west breeze, but gorry mighty, 
you're plumb loony. 

Denning. No, I ain't. Now, listen, Perez. You're 
the best friend I ever had. There's something I want 
you to know and I can't tell you, so I've written it. 
It will explain something I'm going to do. The train 
goes out at three-twenty. After it has been gone ten 



WAV DOWN ALONC 



minutes if you're alone here, read the letter. If you 
don't get no other ehance, read it tonight in the cabin 
o' the Nellie Darling. I want your word of honor 
that you won't tell no one as long as you live what's 
in that letter. 

NicKERSON. Here's my hand, I reckon you can 
trust me, Enoch. 

Denning. With my very life, Perez, with my very 
life. We wuz shij^mates a good many years and I 
know you pretty well. 

NicKERsoN. I don't need to wish you luck. You 
always have it. The luckiest skipper that ever sailed 
from Harbor View. 

Denning. You haven't got much to complain about 
yourself. 

NicKERSON. Not now, I ain't. That's a fact. 

Denning. And may this trip be the best yet. 
{Looks around room.) We — we been quite snug and 
comfortable here, Perez, when we wanted to anchor a 
spell. 

Nickerson. I reckon we have. Not much wrong 
with the cabin. Neat little place you got here when 
you get round to settling down. 

Denning. Sec here, ain't I always told you what's 



nnne is vours 



:? 



NicKERSON. V^ou have that. 

Denning. Then don't talk any more about my 
place. This is where you're going to settle down. 

NicKERSON. All right, mate, jes' as you say. This 
is where we settle down. But gorry mighty it's going 
to be one while afore we get around to it. 

Denning. I reckon you're right. Here's the letter. 



12 WAY DOWN ALONG 

{Hands it to him.) And now good-bye, Perez. Good- 
bye! {Wrings Ms hcmd.) 

NiCKERSON. Good-bye ! 

Denning {breaks away from him abruptly, walks 
quickly to door R. C, turns, takes a long look). 
Good-bye. {Exits quickly R. C.) 

(NiCKERSON is puzzled a/nd somewhat troubled; he 
goes to door R. C, looks after Denning, then to wi/ri- 
dow and looks out.) 

Enter Joe Cruger through door R. C. 

Cruger. Hello, uncle! 

NiCKERSON {without turning). Hello, Joe I 

Cruger. What's the trouble? 

NiCKERSON {turning slowly). Nothing, I guess. 
Nothing. I was watching Enoch. He — he — gorry 
mighty, he acted queer, and, and — gorry mighty, he 
talked queer. 

Cruger. He's beginning to get old, I suppose. 

NiCKERSON. Old? Nothing o' the kind ! What you 
talking about? Next thing you'll be saying I'm get- 
ting old. 

Cruger {laughing). Well, aren't you.^ 

NiCKERSON {at the top of his voice). Old? Me? 
No! Gorry mighty! Blast y'r win'ard sails! I'm 
worth a dozen cubs like you. I know what you want. 
You want to be a skipper o' the Nellie Darling. Well, 
you ain't going to be ! 

Cruger. Never? 

NiCKERSON {wrathfuUy). No, never! 

Cruger. I thought it was all understood that you 
would sell out to me some day. 



WAY DOWN ALONG 13 

NicKERSON. H'm ! Well, maybe — but it will be a 
late day. As long as I have strength to move a muscle 
it would take a strong anchor to hold me to this point. 

Ketury {otit side). Enoch! Enoch! Be you home? 

NicKERSON. Come in, Ketury, I'm here and Joe's 
here. 

Enter Ketury from door R. C. 

NicKERSON. Anything we can do for you? 

Ketury (out of breath). It's Enoch I want. 

NicKERSON. Enoch's gone. 

Ketury. Gone? On a voyage, you mean? 

NicKERSON. Yes. 

Ketury. Well, stop him ! 

NicKERSON. Good land o' goshen how can I do 
that? Train goes in a few minutes. 

Ketury. For mercy's sake, has he shipped aboard 
a land craft? 

NicKERSON. As far as Boston. 

Ketury. Well, we can stop him there, can't we? 
O' course we can. We can telegraf, too. 

NicKERSON. What you talking about? 

Ketury. Tom did. 

Cruger. Did what? 

Ketury. Telegrafed. 

Nickerson. What for? 

Ketury. Land only knows. A tellegraf never says 
anything. Y"ou can read it. (Hands him a tele- 
gram.) 

Nickerson (reads it, looks at Ketury). What's he 
mean ? 

Ketttry. How should I know? I didn't write it. 



14 WAY DOWN ALONG 

NicKERSON. What you make of this, Joe? 

Cruger (takes up telegram^ reads). "Keep Enoch 
Denning at home. Anna coming on three thirty-five. 
Tom." (Looks up startled.) Anna.^^ You don't sup- 
pose it's possible he's bringing Anna home.^ 

Ketury. That's the way it sounds. Did you ever.'' 
Where do you suppose he ever found her? 

Nickerson. And gorry mighty, Enoch's gone ! Joe, 
get to that train as fast as you can get tlicre and if 
you miss it, tellegraf to Boston. Don't let him get 
aboard the Lila Belle! 

Cruger. Do the best I can. (Hurries out door 
R. C.) 

Nickerson (looks at clock). To think o' Enoch 
missing Anna by about five minutes ! 

Ketury (fans herself). My land, I never hurried 
so in my life. I didn't know as I'd have breath left to 
ever speak another word. 

Nickerson. That would o' been a calamity. 

Ketury. Where do you suppose Tom ever found 
Anna? And where do you suppose her husband is? 
And what do you suppose Enoch'll say? And how do 
you suppose — 

Nickerson. Hold on ! Gorry mighty, Ketury, 
hold on ! 

Ketury. It's jest like Tom. He's always doing 
something unexpected. I don't know I'm sure how 
Keziah and I ever raised such a son. 

Nickerson. You ain't got nothin' to complain of. 
Tom's a durned good boy. 

Ketury. Am I sayin' he ain't. He's good as gold, 
but he never did nothing yet that he was expected to 



WAY DOWN ALONG 15 

do. Alius wanted to stay in school when his father 
expected him to go to sea with him. Alius studying 
one thing when the teacher expected liim to study 
tother. Alius going fishin' when the minister ex- 
pected him to go to Sunday School. Alius running 
around with Anna Denning when I expected him to 
go with Lucy Scott and then making a doctor of him- 
self when his father expected to make a skipper of him. 

NiCKERSON. By Chrismus, Ketury, you'd be a sight 
o' help in a sail boat in a calm. 

Ketury. O' course it would be Tom who found 
Anna. 

NiCKERSON. If she'd only married Tom. 

Ketury. Or Joe. 

NiCKERSON. Yep. She had two mighty good 
chances. 

Ketury. And had to go and marry someone none 
of us ever see. Do you suppose he's deserted her? 

NiCKERSON. How in tarnation should I know.^* 

Ketury. I alius knowed no good could come o' her 
kiting up to Boston to study music. When her mother 
died, Enoch should o' given up the sea and stayed right 
here. 

NiCKERSON. Maybe so. Maybe so. 

Ketury. I guess he sees it himself now. 

NiCKERSON. It jest about killed him losing Anna. 
(Turns to look at picture, starts to his feet in sur- 
prise.) Well, gorry mighty! Look at that! 

Ketury. What ? 

NiCKERSON. He's took Anna's picture out o' the 
frame. (Crosses to wall L.) 

Ketury (following him). Well, did you ever? He 



16 WAY DOWN ALONG 

must o' took it with him. Don't that look like all 
possessed? A empty frame! 

NicKERSON. By Chrismus, that's a queer thing for 
him 'to do ! 

Ketury. Where in the name o' goodness do you 
suppose she's been all this time? 

NicKERSoN {impatiently). Gorry mighty, how 
should I know? 

Ketury. Maybe if she's in trouble or anything he'll 
settle down to home for a spell. 

NiCKERSON. Maybe so, more'n likely I should think. 

( Voice of Tony, the totem crier, is heard in the distance. ) 

Ketury. There's the crier. Wonder what he's say- 
ing. {Goes to door R. C.) You any idea? Can you 
hear? 

NiCKERSON. Gorry mighty, no! I can't hear noth- 
ing outside. 

Ketury {calls). Tony! To-ny ! Come, up here! 
{Pauses, turns from door.) He's coming. He's loony 
as a coot, Perez. I believe he grows worse every day. 
And don't he run on? I declare I see him yesterday 
and he wouldn't let me get a word in edgewise. 

NiCKERSON. Gorry mighty, how'd he manage it? 

Enter Tony, door R. C. with a slip of paper in h's 
hand, and a hell. 

Tony. Hello, Cap'n. {Turns to Ketury.) Fair- 
est of the fair, I salute you. 

Ketury {to Nickerson). Will you listen to that? 
{Turns to Tony.) What's going on? What be you 
crying? 



WAY DOWN ALONG 17 

Tony (consulting slip of paper) : 

Through the town I walk and call 

Meeting tonight in the town hall 

Harbor Lodge of Odd Fellows 

To keep your fire going, use your bellows. 
Ketury. Ain't it awful? Talks in rhymes most of 
the time. 

Tony (turns to Nickerson) : 

Cap'n Enoch's gone to sea 

He'll come back no more to thee 

In his dory staunch and tried 

He goes to meet tlie incoming tide. 
Ketury. Did you ever? 

Nickerson (somewhat startled). Wonder what 
made him say that? Tony, Cap'n Enoch's gone to the 
train. What made you say he was in his dor}^'' Now 
don't talk in rhymes. Tell me straight. 
Tony. Tell what? 

Nickerson. About Cap'n Enoch and his dory. 
Tony. Tony saw him drifting, drifting away. 

Cruger enters hurridly, at door R. C. 

Nickerson. Joe! Back already? 

Cruger. Yes, tlie train's gone. T met Pete Simms 
coming up. Uncle, Cap'n Enoch didn't go on the 
train. 

Ketury and Nickerson (together). Didn't go? 

Cruger. There were just four people left on the 
three thirty and Cap'n Enoch wasn't one of them. 

Ketury. But didn't he say — 

Nickerson (frightened). Wait! Tony, where did 
you see the Cap'n? 



18 WAY DOWN ALONG 

Tony. Drifting, drifting. 
NicKERsoN {sharply). Where? 
Tony. Around the point — along the shore 
Out to sea — tlien seen no more. 

{All eocchdnge starihd looks.) 

Ketury. Good land! We mustn't listen to the 
poor, crazy thing. 

NicKERsoN. (jorry mighty, the letter! (Hurries 
to table, picks up letter, tears it open. Begins to read, 
suddenly gives choking cry.) He ain't coming back! 
He's gone for good ! 

Cruger. What? Are you sure? 

Ketury {fanning herself). My land! My land! 
Tm limp as a herring. 

Cruger. What else does he say? 

NicKERSON {choking over his words). This house's 
mine and the I.ila Belle's yours, Joe. 

Cruger. But where's he gone? What's he doing? 

NicKERSON. I'm afraid, I'm afraid — {Stops). 

Cruger. You mean, he — he — . He wouldn't do 
that. What else does he say? Does he give a reason? 

NicKERSON {reading letter, suddenly crushes it in his 
hand). My God, yes! Joe, quick as you can go! 
Take Tony. Hev him show you where he see Enoch 
last. Telephone the Life Savers. Rouse the town, 

Cruger. All right. Come, Tony. {Grabs Tony 
by the arm and pulls him ont door H. C.) 

Ketury. My land ! My land ! I'm fainting dead 
away. 

NicKERSON {picking up letter^ smooths it out). No, 



WAY DOWN ALONG 19 

you be n't. You ain't that kind. Talk awhile. It'll 
revive you. 

Ketury. Perez Nickerson, what's in that letter.'' 

NicKERSoN. That's something you can't never 
know, Ketury. 

Ketury. What.^^ 

Nickerson. No one can ever know. 

Ketury. Have you gone crazy? 

Nickerson. No, I promised Enoch on my word o' 
honor that I wouldn't never tell a living soul what's in 
that letter. 

Ketury. And you intend to keep your word when 
— when — 

Nickerson. I do. 

Ketury (desperately). Perez Nickerson, you'll 
have to tell me. If Enoch Denning has gone and 
drowned himself and I got to live on knowing that 
you know why he did it and won't tell, I can't never 
stand it. I shall be in an asylum afore the summer's 
out. 

Enter Tom door R. C, with a bundle in his arms. 

Nickerson and Ketury (together). Tom! 

Ketury. Land sakes, it's you! 

Nickerson. What's the news.^ 

Ketury. We thought you was bringing Anna 
home.'' 

Tom. No, not Anna. (Opens bundle.) Her 
daughter. 

Ketury. What.? 

Nickerson. Gorry mighty, a baby.? 

Ketury. Oh, my soul and body ! Tom Bangs, give 



20 WAY DOWN ALONG 

her to me this minute. {Tales babtj from Tom's 
arms.) 

NiCKERSON {choking). You mean — that — that 
— is really — 

Tom. Anna's daughter. 

NicKERsox. Where is Anna.f^ 

Tom. Dead. 

Ketury AND XicKERsox (/o^^//i^r). Dead? Anna? 
Where ? 

Tom. In a lio.spital in Boston last night. It was 
her last request that I bring tlie baby to her father. 
He is here? 

Ketury. Oh, Tom! Oh, ain't this terrible? 

NicKERsox. I — I'm afraid, Tom, that Enoch is 
dead, too. 

Tom {aghast). What in heaven's name do jtou 
mean ? 

Nickersox. We thought he'd taken the train for 
Boston. Instead he was seen putting out to sea in his 
old fishing dory. 

Tom. To the Lila Belle, of course. 

Nickersox. The Lila Belle is in Boston. 

Ketury. He left a letter. 

Nickersox. Saying he'd gone on his last voyage, 
giving me this house and Joe the Lila Belle. 

Tom. You mean — you think — that he — Oh, but 
you aren't sure ! 

Nickersox. Joe has gone out to see what he can 
find out. 

Tom. Did he give any reason for such an act? 

Ketury {excited). Yes, he did, and Perez is such 
a simpleton lie won't tell it. 



WAY DOWN ALONG 21 



XiCKERSox. I promised lum. 

To^r. But surely under the circumstances. 

NicKEKsox. I gave him my hand. Tom, where is 
that child's father? 

Tom. Xo one knows. He deserted Anna soon after 
he married her. 

KETr-Kv. Oh, this poor little waif. We'll take her 
right home, Tom. 

Tom. Of course, Anna's child — 

NK■KEH^()^. Ilohl Oil! Not so fast. This is her 
grandfather's house. It was her mother's home. I 
reckon she belongs Way Down Along. Here she stays. 
What's her name? Has she got any? 

Tom. Yes, Elizabeth. Her mother called her 
Betty. 

NicKERSON. A durned good Cape Cod name. 

Ketury. But, Perez Nickerson, be you crazy? 
How are you going to take care of a baby? 

NrcKERSON. Plenty of women in town that'll be 
glad of a job. Ketury, that's Anna's little girl. 
Enocli was the best friend I ever had. I reckon I can 
be a grandfather if I try hard. 

Tom. Cap'n Perez, you're a brick. The poor little 
mite couldn't have fallen into better hands. 

Kett'rv. Land sakes ! Fm so upset. 

NicKERsox. You can stay tonight, Ketury. Help 
me out till we get a regular housekeeper. 

Keturv. Of course T will. Tom, we'll go over to 
the house and get what's needed, and I'll come right 
back. 

Tom. And Fll come back and help. 



2^ WAY DOWN ALONG 



XlCKERSON. Y 

about a baby? 

Tom. Well, I'iti pretty well ac(iuainted with this 
little one. Please remember I brought her all the way 
from Boston. 

Ketijry. Jest like Tom. Didn't I tell you he was 
always doing the most unexpected things.'^ 

NicKERSox. Well, he hez this time, that's a fact. 

Tom. And I guess you forget I'm an M. L). 

NicKERsoN. Yes. I do, Tom. It's hard to remem- 
ber it. 

Kettrv. You're right it is. 

Tom. Welt, I'm going to settle down here pretty 
soon and after you've called me for Betty a few times, 
it will be easier to remember. 

Kettry {puts hahy in Nk kerson's arms). Now 
for the land's sakes, be careful! 

NiCKERSON. Trust me, Ketury. I'll be right at the 
helm. (Ketury cjcits door R. C. Tom follows to 
door.) Don't sch' Joe coming, I suppose.'' 

Tom {looking hack). No. 

Ketury {calling from outside). Not a sign of any- 
one. 

NicKERSON. Well, o' course he ain't had time — 

Tom. Cheer up. Captain. I don't believe what you 
say about Cap'n Enoch. Not a word of it. 

NrcKERSON. I got an awful fear, Tom, an awful 
fear. 

Tom. Well, go get rid of it, (juick. You know it's 
the thing we fear that's sure tS come upon us. We'll 
be back in no time. {Exits R, C.) 

Nk KERsoN {looking at the child in his arms). 



WAY DOWN ALONc; 23 



Anna's little girl! Anna's little girl. (Puts the habtj 
in an arm chair which has a cushion seat, places an- 
other chair in front of her so she cant fall out. Exits 
door L., slight pause.) 

Enter Tony at door R. C. 

ToxY. He put to sea in a dory. (Looks about 
vaguelfi and repeats.) He put to s(^a in a dory — 
(Goes to table, picks up a pencil.) Alas, alas, alas! 
(Picks up letter uhich Nick, left on table, writes on 
back of letter. Speaks as he writes.) 
He put to sea in a dory 
Alas, what a tragic story 
* Ne'er again we'll see Ins face 

Cap'n Enoch's run his race. 
(Folds the letter and pwt^ it in his pocket. Exits 
door E. C.) 

Enter Nickerson from L.; drags rocking chair into 
room, takes np the baby, sits down in rocking chair. 
Enter Cruger at door R. C. 



Cruger. Uncle, I telephoned the Station. Cap'n 
Enoch's dory went ashore on their beach. 

Nickerson. And Enoch.'^ 

Cri^ger. Nobody knows. I've roused the town. 
Of course we can't be sure. 

NicKERSox. We are sure as we need to be. • 

Cruger. What in heaven's name are you holding? 

Nickerson. Anna's little girl. 

Cruger (with a cry). Anna? 

Nickerson. Joe, you can have tlie Nellie Darling. 
I'm staying home for a spell. I've found my anchor. 

CURTAIX. 



WAY DOWN ALONG 

The I'irst Act. 

Scene: Boom in the Harbor View Light House. 
Plain white walls, narrow windows at center and upper 
left. Doors right, left and at right of center in hack 
flat. At center dining table with red table cloth, on 
which is a lantern. Two chairs at this table, one at 
right of center window and one near door at left. 
Rocking chair at right of stage and an arm chair down 
left. Cupboard left of center window in which are 
dishes, table cloth and towel. At right near foot- 
lights, small book case, showing shelves of books. 
White wall backing at right center door, with view of 
ocean through center window. 

At curtain Nickersox sits by table. A lantern on 
table; he is polishing the chimney. 

Margaret Mathewson outside, raps at door R. C, 

Margaret. Captain Nickcrson, are you in? 

Nickersox. I am. 

Margaret. May I como in? 

Nickersox. Sartain. {Goes to door R. C. and 
opens it.) 

Margaret enters. 

Margaret. How do you do, Captain Nickerson? 
I don't suppose you know who I am? 

Nickersox. Yes, I do. You're Miss Mathewson, 
the school marm. 

25 



26 WAY DOWN ALONG 

Margaret (smiling). That Is correct. 

NicKERSox (sliakes hands xvith her). I'm glad to 
see you. Did you come over witli Betty? 

Margaret. No, I came alone. I wanted to see you 
about your granddaughter. 

NicKERSON. What's the trouble? Getting so bad 
you can't manage her? 

]\rARGARET {Uiughing). No, notliing like that. We 
are tlie best of friends, Ca])'n Nickerson. 

NicKERSox. Sit down, sit down! (Sits hi/ table and 
tales up the chimnei) again. Margaret sits near.) 

Margaret. Thank you. Witli the close of this 
term of school my work here is over. 

Nickerson. T am sorry to hear that. 

Margaret. T am sorry, too, in some ways, although 
I am glad to be able to return to my home once more. 

NicKERSox\ You are feeling all right again? 

iNlARGARET. Ycs, thank you. Your wonderful 
ocean air has given me back the strength I was afraid 
I had lost forever. 

NicKERSox. I'm mighty glad for you. Tliere ain't 
no loss so great as your health. 

]\Iargaret. I quite agree with you. Without it 
existence is a dreary thing. Before I went home I 
felt I must come here and talk with you about Betty. 
Do you reali/e that she is a very remarkable gii'l? 

Nickerson. I ho])e you haven't told her that. 

Margaret. No, I haven't told her. She wouldn't 
have believed me if I had. I hope you are not going 
to take the same stand. 

Nickersox. Wliy? 

Margaret. Because I want to make you see that 



WAY DOWN ALONG 27 

she should have a chance in the world. The chance nIic 
can't have if you are going to keep her forever on this 
lonely point. 

NicKERsoN. I suppose it's niy business where I keep 
her.? 

Margarp:t. Oh, certainly. 

NicKERSON. She don't look starved, half clad, 
abused ? 

Margaret. Far from it. You have done your 
duty, Ca})'n Nickerson. Her own stories testify to a 
lifetime of devotion on your part. I know^ that you 
have been not only grandfather, but mother and father 
as well. And loving her as you do, it seems as if you 
must want to give her some of the advantages that girls 
like Betty should have. 

Nickersox. How do you know I'm not going to 
give her some.? 

Margaret. I don't know. That's why I came. If 
you have the means and you are planning to send her 
away, why, just forget this visit. On the other hand, 
if you are not in a ])osition to do anything more for 
her than you have done, I wanted to make an offer. 
I am going to Boston to my home, and I would be glad 
to take her with me. I can help her prepare for college 
and then get her a chance to work her way through. 

Nickerson. So that's it.? Y^ou want to transplant 
my ocean lass to the heart of a city like Boston.? 

Margaret. Isn't it her right? 

Nickerson. Have you mentioned this to her.? 

Margaret. Certainly not. 

Nickerson. Has she mentioned it to you? 



28 WAY DOWN ALONG 

Margarkt. No. If she thinks anything about hei 
future, she keeps it to herself. 

NicKERSON (with a sudden laugh). Gorry mighty 
I don't know which would get the greatest surprise 
Boston or the girl? 

Margaret. She isn't just like other girls, I'll ad- 
mit. 

NicKERsox. And yet you seem to like her pretty 
well. 

jNIargaret. Like her? I love her. 
• NicKERSON. Perhaps that is why you are so anxiouj 
to take the sunlight away from me? 

ALargaret. I suppose it would be just that, Captair 
Nickerson, but I believe you are the kind of a mar 
who would make the sacrifice to give the girl her chance 
and it would only be for a time. 

Nickerson (rising impatieuflt/). How do I know ii 
would only be for a time? How do I know she w^oulc 
ever want to come back to me? 

Margarkt. How do you know that the sun wil 
rise again? The stars come out? The tide will turni 
Her love for you is just as sure. 

Nickerson. I don't know. I don't know. I'll hav( 
to think. (Slowly.) I know another girl that wen 
away from Harbor View to Boston. Didn't no goo( 
come of it that I could see. (Walks to window L.] 
You didn't choose a very good day for your first visii 
to the point. Did you notice what's coming? 

Margaret (joins him at window). Yes, a storm 
I never noticed until I was nearly over here. I lefl 
the school house thinking of you and Betty, and noth 
ing else. 



WAY DOWN ALONG 29 

NicKERSON. Here's the girl ! 

Margaret. Why don't you say, Here's the fish? 
She could live as well on or in tlie water as on the land. 

NicKERSON. Why shouldn't she? She doesn't know 
anything else. She's lived all her life down along. 
(Turns away suddenly, walks to window L. C.) 

Margaret. Isn't it rough ? Just look at the waves ! 

NicKERSON. If you think it's rough inside the point, 
come over here and look out across the cliffs. 

Margaret (crosses to window L. C). Oh, it's going 
to be terrible. 

NicKERSON. It sartain is. Regular tempest sweep- 
ing up the coast. Hello ! Here's Joe making port ! 
Sure as you're born. 

Margaret. Captain Cruger? 

NiCKERSON. That's who. 

Margaret. How can you possibly tell? 

NicKERSON. Well, if every time I saw you for fif- 
teen years, you were wearing the same clothes, I should 
be likely to recognize you. Joe made his first trip as 
skipper o' the Lila Belle the same day I came to this 
light-house as keeper. 

Margaret (laughing). Well, all sails look alike to 
me. 

Betty enters from R. C, her arms full of himdles. 

Betty (as she enters). Are you here, grandfather? 
(Stops surprised as she discovers Margaret.) Miss 
Mathewson? Why didn't you tell me you were coming 
over? How did you come? 

Margaret. By land. 



30 WAY DOWN ALONG 



Betty. Way round by the point? When I coul 
have sailed you across in a third the time? 

Margaret. But I beat you just the same! 

Betty {throwing her bundles on table). But I hai 
errands galore before I started. 

Margaret. I wanted to see your grandfather alon 
before you got here. 

Betty. Goodness ! That sounds startling, but 
think my conscience is fairly clear. 

NicKERsoN. Well for you that it is. 

Betty (throreing her arms around his neck and kiss 
ing him). Oh, grandfather, you would never do 
thing. You would scold the wind and the waves an( 
the stars and the moon, but never Betty ! 

NicKERSON. Here, here ! What are you trying t 
do? Make it out that T spoil you? 

Betty. No, dearest, I spoil you. (Turns to Mar 
GARET.) Y"ou cheated me of your company. Now yoi 
will have to give it to me. There is a storm coming 
that will keep you here until morning. Grandfather 
please invite Miss Mathewson to stay ove-r night wit] 
us. 

NiCKERsoN. Glad to have her! Glad to have her 
There's some things I want to talk with her about 
And we are going to have more company. Joe is mak 
ing port. 

Betty (running to window L. C). Reall}^? Dea 
old uncle Joe ! 

NicKERSON. H'm! Not so terrible old. 
^Iargaret (joining Betty at zvindow). He's realb 



WAY DOWN ALONG 31 



made the point. How did he ever do it? Hear the 
wind ! 

Betty. He's having lots of fun. Uncle Joe likes a 
gale. He'll be with us in no time. 

Oliver Hastings (outside). 'Elp ! 'Elp ! Hi say ! 
'Elp! 'Elp! 

Margaret (startled). Who's that? 

Betty (hurrying to door R. C). Somebody calling 
for lielp? 

Oliver (calling again). Anybody 'ome? Hi need 
'elp ! 

Betty (as she exits through door R. C). Yes, we 
are home. Come in. 

Betty enters from door R. C, followed by Oliver. 

Oliver (breathlessly) . Hi thank God there's some- 
body 'ome. Hi'm jolly well hall hin. The bloomin' 
wind drove hour sail ashore down below the bloomin' 
clifFs. 

NicKERSON. Y^ou at the helm? 

Oliver. No, sir, Mr. Widener was hour skipper, 
sir, an' 'ee's a jolly good one, but hit was a hegg shell 
we wuz hout in, sir, an' the bloomin' wind come hup in 
such a 'urry. We tried to climb hup the cliffs an' 
Mr. Nelson, the man hi works for, he slipped an' 'ee's 
'alf dead. Can we bring him in 'ere if you please? 

NicKERsoN AND Betty (together). Sartain! Of 
course. 

Betty. I'll go out with you. Want to come. Miss 
Mathewson ? 

Margaret. I'll go out, but I won't promise how 
• far. 



.12 WAY DOWN ALONG 

Oliver. Hits bloomin' kind. (Exits B. C, fol- 
lozced hy Betty tvnd Margaret.) 

NicKERsoN goes to window L. C, looks out. Exits 
door L. 

Joe Cruger enters door R. C. 

Cruger. Ship ahoy, uncle! Where are you? 

NicKERSON {off stage). Here. 

NicKERsoN enters from L. 

NicKERSON. How are you, boy? (Shakes hands 
with Cruger.) 

Cruger. Sickly, uncle, living on tea and toast. 

NicKERSON. Yes, you look it. Some gale we going 
to get. 

Cruger. Going to? I should say we were get- 
ting it. 

NicKERSON. Someone's hurt down here on tlie cliffs. 
They're going to bring him here. 

Cruger. So? Better go down, hadn't I? 

NicKERsoN. No, there's two men to liandle one. I 
don't know where you'd get a hand in. 

Cruger. Betty come over yet? 

NiCKERSON. Yes. She and Miss Mathewson's gone 
out on the cliffs. 

Cruger. Miss Mathewson? She's a new-comer over 
this way, isn't she? 

NicKERSON. Yes. This is her first visit. 

Tom (opens door R. C. and looks in). Hello, Cap'n. 
(Looks hack over his shoulder.) All right, mother, he 
is here. 

NicKERsoN (surprised). Why, hello ! 



WAY DOWN y\LONG 33 

Ketury enters door R. C, follozved hy Tom. 

Keturv. Here we are! Well, if it ain't Joe! 
{Crosses to Cruger; shakes hands with him.) 

Tom {crosses to Cruger). Hello, Joe! When did 
you get in? {Shakes hands with him.) 

Cruger. Just now. 

NicKERSON. What in the name o' all fog horns 
brought you down here in this gale? 

Ketury. I don't wonder you ask. It's perfectly 
ridiculous, but Tom would come. We been up to 
Alves'. I been helping Melissy. Poor Tony, he ain't 
going to last much longer, and the way he's saying 
rhymes is a caution. I declare it would be comical if 
it weren't so awful. And nothing for it but Tom 
would bring me clean down here before we started for 

home. 

Tom. I had to come. I wanted to see Cap'n Nick- 

erson. 

Ketury. Well, goodness knows, you'll have plenty 
o' time. We can't never start back before tomorrow. 

Tom. I can. I'll leave you here after I talk with 
the Captain. 

Ketury. Tom Bangs, you can't never run that car 
up the point in all this — 

Tom {interrupting). Oh, yes, I can, mother. I'll 
have to get back to Tony and all my other patients. 

NicKERSON. You've come right in the nick of time, 
both of you. We'll need some help. There's been an 
accident down below and we're going to have a house 
full over night. 

Ketury. I want to know. Who is it and what hap- 



34 WAY DOWN ALONG 

peiied and how many and where be they from and — - 

NicKERSON. Gorry mighty, Ketury, I don't know. 
I ain't seen them yet. 

Kp:tury. Did you put on a kettle of water? 

NicKERSoN. Good Lord, no ! 

Ketury. Ain't that like a man? I'll go right out 
and put some on. (Starts for door L.) 

NicKERsoN. What for? 

Ketury. Never can tell how much hot water you'll 
need and anyway we'll all want a cup o' tea. (Exits 
L.) 

Nickerson. Can you beat that? 

Tom. Leave it to mother ! 

Nickerson. I'm glad 30U boys are here. I want 
some advice. IVIiss Mathewson wants to take Betty 
up to Boston with her. 

Tom. She does? 

Cruger. What for? 

Nickerson. Get her ready for college. 

Tom. Good-night ! 

Cruger. Who started that idea? 

Nickerson. Miss Mathewson. 

Tom. Does Betty want to go? 

Nickerson. It hasn't been mentioned to her. 

Cruger. Maybe she won't take kindly to the idea. 

Nickerson. You know very well she will take kindly 
to whatever I tell her is the best thing for her to do. 

Tom {impatiently). Well, who knows it's the best 
thing for her? 

Nickerson. Miss Mathewson. She is in a position 
to know. She savs Betty should have the chance and 



WAY DOWN ALONG 35 

she will help her to work her way through. 

Tom and Cruger (together). Work? Betty? 
Now look here ! I won't listen to that. 

NicKERsoN. Wait a minute! Wait a minute 1 One 
at a time. 

Tom. I'll pay what you can't, Cap'n. 

Cruger. I'm in on this, too. 

NicKERSON. Betty wouldn't accept her education 
that way, boys. You know it as well as I do. 

Tom. But if she's going, we want her to go right. 
To have hats and dresses and a good time and get real 
college life. We don't want to see Betty make a drudge 
of herself. 

Cruger. Of course we don't. Now I have made 
some money out of the Lila Belle. That was her grand- 
father's property, why shouldn't she be allowed to have 
some of the proceeds? We want to see her go right. 

NicKERSON. She goes with a healthy mind and a 
healthy body. I reckon that's about right. 

Cruger. Do you want her to go, uncle? 

NICKERSON. What I want ain't the question. If 
it's her right I ain't standing in the way. 

Tom. But after the way you have .taken care of 
her and brought her up — 

NicKERSON (interrupting). That ain't got nothing 

to do with it. 

Cruger. Do you realize what this place will be 

when she's gone? 

NicKERSON. Yes, I reckon. The wind, the waves, 
the light, the stars, the moon, a deadly silence. 

Cruger. Well, I guess I've made my last voyage. 



36 WAY DOWN ALONG 

You've been teasing me to stay here as your assistai 
If Betty Is going to leave you, I stay. 

NicKEKsoN. Tluinks, Joe. 

Tom (rather crosshj). Slie liasn't gone yet. J( 
I want a word witli Caj^tain Perez and I (looks at i 
watch) haven't any too much time. Do you mind 
(hesitates). 

Cruger. Of course not. I'll go out and hel|) bri 
the cripple in. Y^ou won't go until you see what we' 
got on our hands? 

Tom. No, indeed. I'll stay as long as necessa 
and do whatever is needed. 

Ckt^ger. Good enough. (Ea^its R. C.) 

Tom. Cap'n Perez, you remember the day I brou^ 
Betty to you.'^ 

NicKERSON. Think I'm ever likely to forget it? 

Tom. And Captain Enoch's letter that was lost? 

NiCKERSON. Never'll forget that either. 

Tom (takes a letter fro7n his pocket). Here 
is. 

NiCKERSON (astonished). What do you mean? 

Tom. Tony Alve had it. I was hunting throu 
his things for something his mother wanted and I r 
across it. 

NiCKERSON. But how — 

Tom. No use to ask. One of his jingles is writt 
on the back. (Hands it to Nickerson.) 

NiCKERSON (wonderingly) . After eighteen years 

Tom. Lucky I was the one to find it. 

NiCKERSON. You read it? 

Tom. Yes. I didn't realize at first what it wj 



WAY DOWN ALONG 37 

You have known all these years that Anna wasn't 
Dcnning's daughter? 

NicKERSON. Y^es. 

Tom. Have you any idea who she was? 

NicKERSoN. Not the least. 

Tom. And who is Betty? 

NicKERSON. Anna's daughter. 

Tom. But not Denning's granddaughter, and you 
have cared for her all these years, given her a home 
and name. 

NicKERSON. Why not? Wouldn't Enoch have 
wished it? You read all the letter? 

Tom. Y^es. He loved Anna and she thought he was 
her father. Then she went off and married unbeknown 
to him. No wonder he couldn't stand it any longer. 

NiCKERSON. That's what I've never been able to get 
at. How could he have loved her that way when he 
brought her up and was old enough to be her father. 

Tom. That doesn't make any difference. I'm old 
enough to be Betty's. 

NicKERSox. Well, what's that got to do with it? 

Tofvi. I love Betty. 

NicKERSON {staggered). Tom! 

Tom. I think it began the day I brought her to 
you. I imagined then I had loved Anna. I didn't 
know what love was. But don't worry, Cap'n Perez, 
I'm an old man to Betty. She will never know. She 
looks upon me as an older brother and always will. 

NiCKERSON. By Chrismus, Tom — 

Tom {waminghj). Hush! 

Betty enters R. C. 



38 WAY DOWN ALONG 

Betty. Right in this way. 

Cruger and Oliver help John Nelson in. D 
NiNG follows. Denning discovers Nickerson and sta 
at one side gazing at him. 

Betty. Grandfather, this is Mr. Nelson, the gen 
man wlio was hurt. (Nickerson steps forward to gi 
Xklson. Betty discovers Tom and goes to him.) 

Nickerson {shakes hands with Nelson). I'm g 
it happened near us. (Cruger pushes a chair forwa 
Nelson drops into it.) 

Nelson. Thank you. It didn't seem very near 

Tom (steps forward). What is the trouble.'^ 

Nelson. I slipped and twisted my ankle. 

CRtJGE.R. He can't step. It was all we could do 
get him up here. 

Tom. Bring him out here. We'll see what can 
done. (Leads the way L. Cruger and Oliver h 
Nelson to exit L.) 

Betty. Grandfather, this is Mr. Widener. ( 
Denning.) Was that the name? 

Denning. Yes. 

Nickerson. I'm glad to know yer. (Shakes hm 
with Denning, who is somewhat overcome.) \ 
ain't hurt, be yer? 

Denning (taking chair). No. Merely tired. 

Betty. I'll get you something to take. (Exits i 

Nickerson. Quite a little gale we're having. 

Denning. Yes. It's a bad one. I was a skip] 
in my younger days and I know something ab( 
storms. 



WAY DOWN ALONG 3Q 

NicKERSON. I followed the sea, too. I reckon we'll 
have something to talk about. 

Denning. I think we shall. 

NiCKERSON. Yes, sir. I was a skipper for a good 
many years, but something happened that made me 
give it up. 

Denning {looking at him J^eenly). Married, per- 
haps? 

NiCKERSON. Not on your starboard watch ! 

Denning {trying to appear unconcerned). Oh! I 
thought the young lady called you grandfather. 

NijCKERSON. She did and always has, but she isn't 
really any relation to me. She's the granddaughter of 
the best friend I ever had. (Denning leans forward.) 
He started on his last voyage eighteen years ago this 
month, and I been bringing the girl up for him. (Den- 
ning sinks hack in Ms chair.) Say, you're pretty well 
tuckered out. 

Denning. Yes. 

Betty enters from L. with a glass of — -.{Contents 
left to the discretion of the producers of the play.) 

Betty {hands glass to Denning). Here, sir. 
Grandfather, Tom wants you. 

NiCKERSON. All right. {Exits L.) 

Betty. Do you feel better.? 

Denning. Yes. 

Betty. Y^ou had a hard experience. We are used 
to rough weather on the Cape and don't mind it as much 
as strangers, although we aren^t often shipwrecked, 
even on a small scale. 



40 WAY DOWN ALONG 

Denning. You've lived here all your life, I sup- 
pose? 

Betty. Yes. My mother died in a hospital in Bos- 
fon when I was a baby and they brought nie here. Not 
to this light — To a little house just above here. 

Denning. And your grandfather brought you up, 

Betty. Not really. My grandfather was Enocli 
Denning, but (as glass slips out of Denning" s hand) Oh ! 

Denning. I beg your •|3ardon. 

Betty (picking up the pieces). I. beg yours, sir. 
I should have taken the glass. I forgot how shaken 
you are. 

Ketury enters L. 

Ketury. Betty, Tom wants you to run out to the 
car and get his case. 

Betty. All right. (Erits R, C.) 

Denning. Is my friend much hurt.^ 

Ketury. No, it's his ankle. The doctor — (im- 
portantly) is my own boy, Tom. The doctor says it'll 
be quite a spell before he walks on that ankle again. 
Land sakes, break a glass? (Kneels near Denning's 
cliair and picks up a piece of glass.) 

Denning. Yes. I am very sorry. 

Ketury. Land, tain't any matter. Never cry over 
broken glass I alius says, and — (looks at Denning, 
suddenly gives a cry). Enoch Denning? Be it you 
or be I looking at a hant? 

Denning (warningly). Hush, Ketury ! The others 
didn't recognize me. 

Ketury. And don't vou want 'em to? 



WAY DOWN ALONG 41 



f 



Denning. Not now anywav. 

Kett'ry. Enoch Denning, wliai (lid you romniit sui- 
cide for? I been waiting eighteen years to find out 
and now I'm going to know. 

Betty enters R. C. with case. 

Betty. Here's tlic case. 

Kett;ry. Ho, give hit to Holiver and 'e'll 'old hit 
for the blooniin' doctor. 

Betty (huighmg). Why, Aunt Ketury, I didn't 
think you capable of that. (Eaits L.) 

Denning. Ketury, you've got to keep my secret. 
I may decide to tell them. I may not. It depends. 

Ketury. Great land o' goshen ! I can't never live 
through it to Inuow it's you and not tell anyone. But 
my land, I will though — jest to get even with Perez. 

Nickerson enters L. 

NicKERSON. What's that about Perez .^ 

Ketury. Nothing, nothing whate\er. You needn't 
think you're the only interesting thing there is to talk 
about. I was jest sayin' — that — that — the wind is 
blowing like blazes. 

Nickerson. Gorry mighty, Ketury, get tin' vi'lent, 
ain't ycr? 

Ketury. IFm ! Some other people'll be gettin' the 
same if Betty an' I don't see about some supper. 

Nickerson. I be'en thinking, Ketury, this room in 
here (turns to door 7?.)will be a good one for our vis- 
itors. What do you think? 

Ketury. I don't see why not. 



42 WAY DOWN ALONG 

Denning. We arc making vou a great deal of trou- 
ble I am afraid. 

NicKERSoN. Not a bit of it. The room's some 
cluttered up, but 'twon't take but a few minutes to 
straighten it out. Kctury, tell that Oliver chap to 
come in here and lend a hand. 

Keturv. ril tell him but, land knows, it'll be more 
cluttered than it is now if he gets to dropping his h's 
around. {Eocits L.) 

NicKERSOx (caUing after he?'). Look out! You'll 
be getting yourself in the newspapers if vou ain't care- 
ful. 

Denning (rising). Let me help.^ 

NicKERSON. Sure, if you feel like it. Everybody 
lend a hand. (They exit R. Slight pause.) 

Cruger and Oliver help Nelson in from I.. They 
are followed hij Tom. They help Nelson to a chair. 

Tom. There! How's that? 

Nelson. Yery comfortable, thank you. 

Tom. Good. (Exits L.) 

Oliver. Hi say, sir, which is the room the lady 
mentioned, hif you please? 

Cruger. In there (points R. Ojavet{ exits R.) 
Well, John Nelson, I never hoped foi a chance like this. 

Nelson (surprised). I don't believe I understand. 

Crhger. Don't remember me? 

Nelson. I'm afraid not. 

Cruger. Wouldn't know you ever saw me before? 
(Nelson shakes his head.) Well, maybe you ain't 
very observing. Did yoii notice Betty? 



WAY DOWN AT.ONG 43 

Nelson. Betty? Mr. Nickerson's granddaughter? 

Crt'ger. That's who I mean. 

Nelson. Why, I didn't notice her especially. I 
was suffering so — 

Cruger (inferrupting). Well, notice her especially. 
She is your daughter. 

Nelson. What in heaven's name do you mean? 

Crttger. What I say. 

Nelson. Are you^mad? 

CsT^GER. Not much. I know what I'm talking 
about. I was a witness when you married Anna Den- 
ning. 

Betty enters from L. with a dustpan and brush. 

BeT^ty. We'll have a room ready for you in no 
time, Mr. Nelson. 

Nelson {trying to speak naturally). Thank yoii. 
(Betty exits R.) Tell me what became of Anna? 

Cruger. Died soon after you deserted her. 

Nelson. I never intended to desert her. 

Cruger. You can explain all that to the man who 
brought your daughter up. You'll have to. make up a 
pretty good one if you don't want him to wring your 
neck and feed you to the fishes. I just as soonjielp 
him. You will find that all the people in this town 
were your wife's friends. 

Nelson. Was this her home? I never thought to 
ask where we are. 

Cruger. Yes, this is Harbor View. 

Nelson. Do these people know that you — {hesi- 
tates), 

Cruger. No, they don't. I promised Anna that I 



44 WAY DOWN ALONG 

wouldn't tell and I never have. I'm not going to now. 
You are going to do your own telling. 

Nelson. Why should I believe all that you say? 

Cruger. Do you admit that I was present when you 
were married.^ 

Nelson. Yes, I remember you now. 

Cruger. Well, there's plenty of proof of the other 
things. I've g'ot my eye on you and I'm going to keep 
it there for the rest of your life* You deserted your 
wife, but you are going to stand by your daughter. 
Y^ou've got plenty of money, haven't you? 

Nelson. Well, I don't have to worry about any- 
thing. 

Crtger. Captain Nickerson has done the best he 
could by the girl. Now you are going to give her the 
education and advantages that are rightfully hers. 

Nelson. Do you think I wouldn't be willing and 
glad to do it for her? 

Cruger. Well, I'm not so durned certain about the 
glad business, but I know you are going to be willing. 
I'm going to see to that. {Exits R.) 

Slight pause. Margaret enters R. C. 

Margaret (steps forward). John! 

Net^son (in astonishment). .Margaret! My God! 
It nmst have been fate that sent me to this house 
today. 

Margaret. I recognized you when they brought 
you in. I stayed outside as long as I could. I 
dreaded to see you so. I don't see wliy I had to meet 
you again, just when I was learning to forget. 



WAY DOWN ALONG 



Nelson. Margaret, liavc you never come to look 
at things in a more charitable way? 

Margaret. How could I? Leading me almost to 
the altar when you were a married man. 

Nelson. But I hadn't seen my wife for years, 
couldn't find any trace of her. I knew she must be 
dead. 

Margar.et. No, you didn't know. That was just 
the awful part of it. 

Nelson. I know it now, Margaret. She has been 
dead for eighteen years. 

Margaret. But you didn't know it then. 

Betty enters /?., followed hy Oliver. 

Betty. Oh, Miss Mathewson, you know Mr. Nel- 
son ? 

Margaret. We have met before. Some time ago. 

Betty. Oh, that makes it pleasant for Mr. Nelson. 

INIargaret. Very. Betty, let me do something to 
help. 

Betty. Sure. Supper. We have a regular hotel 
tonight. 

Margaret exits L, 

Oliver. Your room is habout ready, sir. Would 
you like to rest? 

Nelson {wearily). I should be glad to. 

Betty. I'll help. (Betty and Oliver help Nelson 
to exit R.) 

Nelson (as they exit). I am afraid I .shall tire 
you. Miss Betty. 

Betty. Not I. I'm as strong as the gale. A reg- 



46 WAY DOWN ALONG 

ular child of the sea. {Returns at once, takes a cloth 
and some dishes from cupboard and begins to set table 
for supper.) 

NicKERSOx enters from R. 

NicKEKsoN. Well, we got liiiii comfortable, (iorry 
mighty, Betty, I don't know just where we are going 
to put everybody, but I suppose we can manage some 
way. 

Betty. Of course we can. Let the storm rage. 
Who cares? We'll be a happy family within. 

NicKERsox. Betty, light the lantern for me. It's 
time I was going aloft. 

Betty. Yes, sir. (Lights the lantern for him.) 

NicKERsox. Betty, did you ever think about your 
future? • 

Betty (surprised). My future? 

NicKERsox. Do you want to spend all your days 
on this lonely point? 

Betty. Do you want me to? 

Nick?:rsox. I want you to answer me truthfully. 
What do you want to do? 

Betty. Just what you want me to do. Don't you 
suppose I realize my duty to you? 

XicKERsoN'. Leave me out of the question. Did 
you e:ver thiiik you would like to go away to college? 

Betty. Why, grandfather, I know you couldn't do 
a thing like that for me. What I have really thought 
is that it was time I was doing something to help you. 
Time I was turning in some mone^^ 

NicKERSox. Betty, I demand an an-swer to my 



WAY DOWN ALONG 47 

question. Have you ever felt that you would like to 
go away to college? 

Betty. Once — when Miss Mathewson was telling 
me some stories of her college days. 

NicKERSON. Careful not to say anything about it, 
weren't you, la«s? 

Betty. I ought not to have even thought about it. 
You have taken care of me all my life and I am satis- 
fied with what you have done. 

NickersoK. You are easily satisfied. Miss 
Mathewson came over here today to offer to help you 
get a chance to work your way through. 

Betty. Did she.^ That was kind of her. She is 
always kind. 

Nickerson. You don't seem to enthuse any.^ 

Betty. Maybe I would if things were different. It 
is my duty now to try to make a return for at least 
some of the things you have done for me. 

Nickerson. Even if I wanted a return there is 
plenty of time ahead to do it, and you would be in a 
position maybe to make a better return if you went 
through college. 

Betty. I didn't think of that. Well, of course, if 
you think it's best I'll do it. 

Nickerson. You are going to decide yourself, 
Betty. Do you want to do it? 

Betty. I'm not sure. Do you think maybe people 
who have been through college themselves would think 
I ought to go? Do you think maybe they might like 
me better if I went? 

Nickerson. Like you better? Gorry might}^, what 



(lO 



3'ou mean 



48 WAY DOWN ALONG 

Tom enters L. 

NicKERSON. Tom, come and find out what Betty' 
talking about. I got to light up. (Exits R.) 

Tom. What is it, Betty.? 

Betty. I was talking with grandfather about co] 
lege. 

Tom. Oh, yes. 

Betty. Oh, do you know about it? 

Tom. He mentioned it to me. (Sits in an an 
chair.) 

Betty. Well, what do you think.? 

Tom. What do you think ? 

Betty (sits on arm of chair and puts her arri 
around his neck). Tom, do you want me to go awa; 
from Harbor View? 

Tom (sits quite still for a second. Suddenly un 
K'itids her arm, rises). Betty, what I think has noth 
ing to do with this matter. 

Betty. Oh, but it has. I care so much about wha 
you think. 

Tom. I don't see why you should. (Betty stand 
in front of him and holds him hy the coat.) 

Betty. Because I am so fond of vou. Dear ok 
Tom. 

Tom. Yes, dear old Tom, exactly. 

Betty. Do you think every girl ought to go t( 
college? 

Tom. Not necessarily. It is to her advantage oj 
course. 

Betty (points to chair at head of table). Please 
sit there just a minute, Tom. (Tom sits as directed.] 



WAY DOWN ALONG 49 

Now a girl doesn't have to go to college to set the 
table and cook a nice dinner and — (sits opposite 
him) and sit like this opposite ,so)fie one. Now does 
she? 

Tom (rises abrupfl/j). Betty, if you will be serious 
I will tell you what I think. 

Betty (quietly). Yes, Tom? 

Tom. It is for Captain Perez to say what he wants 
you to do. 

Betty. Yes, it must be as he says. 

Tom. He is your guardian until you are twenty- 
one. After that if there is something you have in 
mind that you want to do — 

Betty. Yes, there is. 

Tom. Would you mind telling me what it is? I 
didn't know you had formed any definite plans for the 
future. 

Betty. I guess maybe I'd better not tell you, Tom. 

Tom (so7newhat hurt). Oh, certainly not, if you 
don't care to. I must go. I'll be over in the morning 
after mother. Good-night. 

Betty. Good-night. (Tom e.rits H. C. Betty 
stands for a moment undecided, then runs to door — 
calls. ) Tom ! Dear old Tom ! 

Tom (outside). Yes, Betty? 

Betty. I guess I'll tell you. After I'm twenty-one 
I'm coming home to you. (Closes the door quickly, 
leans back against it laughing and somewhat breath- 
less. ) 

Curtain. 



WAY DOWN ALONG 

The Second Acx. 

Scene: Same as the first act. The next viorning. 

At curtain Cruger stands by window L. C. lookitig 
out. Nelson sits in arm chair down R. Nickerson 
sits hy center table facing Nelson. 

Nickerson. Well, gorrj mighty, it's so, I suppose 
since you both say so, but it's durned hard to sense it. 

Nelson. I hope you'll believe me when I say that I 
didn't desert Anna. We quarreled, I'll admit it needn't 
have been. I was more to blame than she. I'm will- 
ing to admit all the blame. I went back and did my 
best to find her. She seemed to have vanished from 
the face of the earth. Mr. Cruger doesn't believe me. 
{Glances toward Cruger.) Won't you, Captain Nick- 
erson ? 

Nickerson (slowly). Wal, I don't know any reason 
why we shouldn't believe it. Gorry mighty, we don't 
none of us know anything about it. 

Nelson. I had to suffer. 

Nickerson. I reckon. We can't any of us make 
a mess of our lives without suffering. 

Nelson. I have lived through years of uncertainty. 
A year ago I wanted to marry again and this very 
uncertainty stood in the way. Of course, appearances 
are against me, but I can try now to do something to 

SI 



52 WAY DOWN ALONG 

convince you that I want to do the right thing. 
There's my daugliter. 

NiCKERSON. Yes, tliere's Betty. 

Nelson. Y"ou will let me make up to lier for what 
I didn't do for her mother? 

NiCKERSON. It's your right. I wouldn't be the one 
to take it from you. 

Nelson. When I think what you have done all these 
years ! You will at least let me return some of the 
money you have spent on my daughter? 

NiCKERSON. No, you can't do that. Betty has 
been my life. I couldn't take money for what has been 
a joy and a blessing. Seems as if you ought to be 
able to see that. 

Nelson. I do see it. I beg your pardon. And 
what shall we do now? I would like to take Betty 
away with me, but I can't feel that I have the right 
to take her away from you. 

NiCKERSON. Y^es, you have. I have had your 
daughter all these years. Y'ou weren't in no way to 
blame for not knowing that you had a daughter. Do 
you suppose I would keep her away from you any 
longer ? 

Cruger {turning impatiently). Give the girl her- 
self a voice in the matter. Mr. Nelson can do his 
duty by her without taking her away. 

NiCKERSON. Well, what about her duty to him? 
He is her father. 

Cruger. I don't see that has anything to do with 
the case. (Turns away.) 

Nelson. I don't believe it has under the circum- 



WAY DOWN ALONG 53 

stances. Let us consult the young lady herself. 

NicKERSON. Very well. I'll find her. I think she 
and Miss Mathewson went out on the cliffs. {Exits 
R. C.) 

Cruger (turns from window). Well, you lied your- 
self proud. 

Nelson. I don't know what position you are in to 
judge the veracity of my statements. 

Cruger. Huh ! If you had ever been very anxious 
about finding Anna, you could have come to Cape Cod 
to do it. My uncle is one of the most generous minded 
men who ever lived. He is ready always to believe the 
best about anyone. You could easily put it over on 
him. But believe me, you don't fool Joe Cruger. 
(Exits L.) 

Denning enters from R. 

Denning. You don't fool me either. 

Nelson (surprised). Mr. Widener? 

Denning. I have been standing right there by the 
door. I heard all the conversation. 

Nelson (astonished). You were listening? 

Denning (coolly). I was. 

Nelson. Well, I must say, Mr. Widener, I hardly 
expected that sort of thing from you. 

Denning. Probably not, but you see this thing in- 
terests me. John Nelson, I had an object in bringing 
you down here. 

Nelson. I am glad to know you had a hand in it. 
I had begun to think that fate alone was running 
things. 

Denning. INIavbe vou won't be so glad when you 



54 WAY DOWN ALONG 

find out wliy I bad my hand in it. Eiglitcen years ago 
I left this town to find you. 

Nelson. What in the name of common sense do you 
mean .^ 

Denning. I am Enocli Denning. 

Nelson. Are you crazy? Enoch Denning died 
yeai's ago. 

Denning. No, he didn't. He is right here talk- 
ing to you. 

Nelson. And do you suppose you can make me be- 
lieve tliat.^ Why these people would have recognized 
you in a minute. 

Denning. One of them did, but I asked for silence. 
I have changed, and thinking me dead, the others 
haven't recognized me yet. 

Nelson (uneasily). If this is true, you — you have 
known all this time we have been in business together? 

Denning. Yes. 

Nelson. And you knew Anna was dead. 

Denning. I didn't know it when I left Harbor 
View. I found it out later. 

Nelson. Why didn't you tell me? 

Denning. I wasn't ready. 

Nelson. And I suppose you knew that I had a 
daughter. 

Denning. No, I didn't know about Betty. If I 
had, it might possibly have made a difference. 

Nelson. Made a difference in what? 

Denning. In what I have done to you. 

Nelson. Done to me? What in heaven's name are 
you talking about? 



WAY DOWN ALONG 55 

Denning. I have ruined you. As soon as you are 
able to investigate the business you will find that I 
have every cent of your money and I have done it in 
such a way that the law can't touch me. I made you 
trust me and I haven't left you even a penny. I 
brought you down here to Anna's home to tell you, so 
that you would understand. 

Nelson. You couldn't have done such a thing. 

Denning. I not only could, but have. 

Nelson (begiuning io he convinced). My God! 

Denning. That was why I went into business with 
you. 

Nelson (choking). Why — you — you — (Tries 
to rise, sinks hack with a groan.) 

Denning. You aren't in a position to strike back. 

Nelson. And you are the kind of a man to strike 
a man when he is down.^ I can't believe it. 

Denning. I wouldn't care what I did to you. It's 
taken me years to get you, but I have done it. I had 
to train myself to meet you on your own level. It 
wasn't easy. I was a rough sea-faring man. 

Nelson. And — and you deliberately left this place 
and set out to find me with revenge in your heart ? All 
these years? It's a wonder you hadn't murdered me. 

Denning. That wouldn't have accomplished any- 
thing. I left this place to find you. I didn't know 
then that Anna was dead or that you had deserted her. 
It was when I found that out that I planned to take 
all you had in life away from you just as you had taken 
my life away from me. Well, this has even worked out 
better than I could have hoped for. You think now 



56 WAY DOWN ALONG 

that you can have this girl and make up to her for 
your treatment of her mother? Well, you can't. You 
haven't a damned cent to give her. 

Oliver and Ketury eiiter L. with dishes. Oliver 
places them on table. Ketury transfers them to cup- 
hoard. 

Ketury. Thank you, Mr. Oliver. I must say you're 
really handy to have around. {To Nelson.) He 
washed up all the breakfast dishes as good as I could 
myself. 

Nelson. I am glad some of us can make ourselves 
useful. Oliver, help me to my room. I am getting 
pretty well done out. 

Oliver. Y^'es, sir. {Helps Nelson to room R.) 

Ketury {to Nel«on). You hadn't ought to overdo. 
Y^ou got quite a shock yesterday. Tom'll be along 
pretty soon. (Nelson and Oliver exit R.) I de- 
clare, Enoch, I like that Mr. Nelson first rate. How 
do you happen to.be in with him? 

Denning. That's too long a story to tell now, 
Ketury. 

Ketury. Enoch, ben't you going to tell these peo- 
ple who you are? Seems as if I should collapse, think- 
ing about what they'll say. 

Denning. Yes, I'm going to let them know. I'll 
let you tell them, Ketury. 

Ketury. Enoch Denning, do you mean that? 

Denning. Y^es. 

Ketury. My land o' goshen ! When? 

Denning. When I say the word. 



WAY DOWN ALONG 57 

Ketury {desperately). Will it be much longer? 

Denning. No, probably this morning. (Looks out 
window.) Here's Tom. I'll go out in the kitchen. I 
don't want anyone to recognize me until I'm ready. 
(Denning exits L., slight pause.) 

Tom enters door R. C. 

Tom. Good morning, mother. {Kisses her.) Did 
Betty go over to school? 

Ketury. No. It was too rough to sail across and 
it seemed as if it would be pretty hard walking around 
until the wind died down some. Miss Mathewson was 
worried about not being there. 

Tom. That's all right. I telephoned down to the 
school and told the principal where she was. Will you 
be ready to go back with me after I have seen Mr. 
Nelson? 

Ketury. No, I shan't. 

Tom. Oh, you are going to stay to lielp Betty. 

Ketury. No, tain't that. She's got help enough 
around here. I got something to do before I leave 
this house. 

Tom {looks at her curiously). Something to do? 

Ketury. Yes, something to say and I don't know 
just when I'm going to say it, but wild horses won't 
drag me away from here before I got a chance to say 
it. 

Tom. For goodness' sake, mother, what do you 
mean ? 

Ketury. Y^ou'U know later. Don't ask me any 
questions now. I'm ready to explode as it is. 



58 WAY DOWN ALONG 

Tom. Oh, all right, if it is as bad as that. Where's 
]Mr. Nelson? {Turns H.) In here? 

Ketury. Yes. (Tom exits H., slight pause.) 
Olivek enters R. 

Oliver. Hif you please, ma'am, the doctor wants a 
towel and some warm water. 

Ketury. Oh, he does? Well, he's mighty mde- 
pendent giving off orders to his own mother. 

Oliver. Hi'll get them, ma'am, hif you tell me 
where. 

Ketury. My land, I alius hearn tell an Englishman 
had to be waited on hand and foot. I'll tell the next 
one that says that, I know one that didn't have to be. 
(Takes towel from cupboard drawer.) 

Oliver. Hand hi 'ave halways 'eard has 'ow han 
Hamerican never looks hout for none but number one. 
Hi'll tell the next one has says that, hi know some 
Hamericans that looks hout for the other chap first. 

Ketury. Well, the idea of their daring to talk 
about us like that. Here's the towel. I'll get the 
water. (Exits L.) 

NicKERsoN enters R. C. 

NicKERSON. Well, it's calming down some. 

Oliver. Y"es, sir; hit is. That was a storm as I'll 
never forget, sir. 

NicKERSON (slowly) . I dou't believc any of us ever 
will. I guess we got cause to always remember. 
Betty enters with a pitcher, from L. 

Betty. Here is the water. (Hands the pitcher to 
Oliver.) 

Oliver. Thank you, miss. (Exits R.) 



WAY DOWN ALONG 59 

NicKERSON. I have been looking for you, Betty. I 
tliought you went with Miss Mathewson. 

Betty. Too much to do in the house. 

NicKERSON. All this crowd has made it hard for 
you. 

Betty. Gracious, grandfather, as if I minded that. 
I'm glad we could take care of them all. 

NicKERSON. Betty, you have been thinking over 
what I said to you last night? 

Betty. You mean college? 

NicKERSOx. Yes. 

Betty. Yes, I have thought about it. 

NicKERSON. Well? 

Betty {indijfereiifli/). I will go if you want me to. 

NicKERSON. But you don't want to yourself? 
Perhaps you don't like the idea of working your way? 

Betty. Oh, it isn't that. Indeed it isn't. I'm not 
afraid of work. It's just that I don't seem real anx- 
ious to go away from Harbor View. Are you anxious 
to have me go, grandfather? 

NicKERSON. Betty, it isn't a question any more of 
what I want. There is another who has a right to 
<])eak. This Mr. Nelson who has come to us, is your 
father. 

Betty. My father? Why, grandfather, what do 
vou mean? How can he be? Where has he been? 
Why have I never seen him? 

NicKERSON. I don't believe I will undertake to ex- 
]^lain much of anything. He can take care of that him- 
self. He man-led your mother nineteen years ago. I 
^upposed he was dead and he didn't dream that he had 
a daughter. 



60 WAY DOWN ALONG 

Betty. Grandfatlier, you arc sure? Sure? 

NicKERsoN. Yes. 

Betty. My father? 

NicKERSON. Mr. Nelson is a man wlio is well off. 
You can have from your father what other girls receive 
from wealthy fathers. 

Betty. But I don't want it. You can't ]iossibly 
expect me to accept anything from this stranger. 

Nickekson. Yes, I do expect it. 

Betty (clesperateUi). But, grandfather, I — don't 
even like the man. It is hard to be courteous to him. 

NicKERSox. That doesn't make any difference. 

Betty. But — what is it I am to do? 

NicKERSON. You will have to go to his home, of 
course. 

Betty. Grandfather! No! Never! 

NicKERSON. Will you make me force you to do the 
right? 

Betty. Why is it right ? Oh, how can you want me 
to go with a man like him? 

NicKERSON. You have only talked with your father 
a few minutes. What right have you to say " a man 
like him?" I never knew you to make such a hasty 
judgment. You are pretty likely to be fair. What's 
the matter with you now? 

Betty. I don't know. I don't remember that I 
ever felt just the same towards anyone before. 

NrcKERsoN. Well, that's too bad, but you will have 
to get over it. He isn't to blame for not knowing he 
had a daughter. He lost his wife. Can't you under- 
stand how he must feel now to find a daughter he can 
love and care for? 



WAY DOWN ALONG 61 

Betty. Oh, I don't soe why this liad to liappcn. 

NicKiRsox {taking Betty in his arms). For years 
I have been blessed with tlic affection and devotion of a 
dautrliter, a blessing tliat belonged to another man. 
We don't f<now what he has been up against, what kind 
of life he's liad, or what it might have been if he'd had 
you. It's my duty to give to this man the daughter I 
almost feel as if I'd stolen from him. If you can't do 
your duty too, I have been a miserable failure at bring- 
ing you up. 

Betty. Oh, I'll try to do the right thing, grand- 
father, but there must be some other way. 

NicKERSox. There's only one way when duty is call- 
ing us. You know how many times we've talked about 
that when little things have bothered us. Are you 
going to fail now when the first big test comes? 

Betty. No, grandfatlier. 

NicKERSON. And you will go to your father.^ 

Betty. Y^es, I will go. 

NicKERSON. And be a daughter to him.^ 

Betty. I will try. 

NicKERSON. I guess maybe we won't talk any more. 
Seems as if we'd had about enough. 

Betty. ^Nlore than enough. 

NicKERsox turns anay, sloxvly ejcits L. Betty 
turns to xi'inilow L.C. Tom enters R. 

Tom (discovers Betty). Betty! 

Betty {turns quicklfj). Oh, it's you, Tom? {Tries 
to pull herself together, gives a nervous laugh.) Dear 
old Tom. 



62 WAY DOWN ALONG 

Tom. Please don't. Betty, why did you say 
— (hesitates) what you did to me last night .^^ 

Betty (helplessly). I don't know. 

Tom. You don't know? 

Betty. I just seemed to have to. Something com- 
})elled me to. 

Tom. And you didn't mean anything? 

Betty. What could I mean but just foolishness? 

Tom. Betty, I have been nearly crazy. It was all 
I could do not to come back here last night. If it 
liadn't been for Tony Alve I should have come. 

Betty. I didn't mean to upset you like that. I 
know I sliouldn't have said it. I couldn't help think- 
ing about it. Please forget that I said it. 

Tom. As if I ever could. 

Betty. Oh, but you must. I'm so desperately 
sorry, Tom. 

Tom. Then you didn't mean — 

Betty. Of course not. It was so ridiculous of 
me. Y^ou are years older tlian I ;im and — Oh, Tom, 
])lease fo v;ive me for making such a mess of things! 

Tom. It's all right, dear. You are young and — 

Betty. Oh, of course, I know I'm a cliild side of 
you. I'm old enough though not to make jokes like 
lliat. 

Tom. We'll forget. 

Betty. There'll be plenty of chance. I'm going 
away. 

Tom. Y^ou have decided to go? 

Betty. Yes. Grandfather says it's my duty. 

Tom. That settles it then. I'm sorry you are 
going to have a hard time of it. 



WAY DOWN ALONG 63 



Betty. You mean tlie working? I'm perfectly 
well. (Tries to smile.) Tom, I can work all day and 
study all night. 

Tom. Admitted. 

Betty. I only wish I was going to work. 

Tom. Well, aren't you? What do you mean? 

Betty. I'm going to have lots of money and every- 
thing, and I don't want it. 

Tom (astonished). What on earth are you talking 
about ? 

Betty. Oh, Tom, Mr. Nelson is my father. 

Tom. Mr. Nelson? This Mr. Nelson? The man 
who was hurt? 

Betty. Y-Y^-Y-e-s. 

Tom. Betty, if you cry, I'll commit murder. 

Betty. Oh, I won't Tom, but I wish you didn't 
think I was such a child. 

Tom. Who says Mr. Nelson is your father? 

Betty. Grandfather, and he thinks I ought to go 
away with him. 

Tom. Y"e gods! Betty, where is Cap'n Perez? 

Betty. In the kitchen, I guess. 

Tom (striding towards door L.). I'm going to find 
out about this. (Exits L.) 

Betty stands looking after him. Margaret enters 
R. C. 

Betty. Oh, Miss Mathewson, what do you think 
about duty? 

Margaret. Duty? 

Betty. Yes. Are vou ever in doubt about doing 
it? 



64 WAY DOWN ALONG 

Margaret. No, we can't be in doubt about doing it, 
but we can be in doubt as to what our duty is. 

Betty {excited). We can? 

Mar.garet. Indeed yes, I am right now. 

Betty. Oh, I'm so glad. No, I don't mean that, 
Miss Mathewson. I mean I'm glad people can be in 
doubt., because I'm in such terrible" doubt. Oh, Miss 
INIathewson, I'm so miserable. 

Margaret. Betty, dear, what in the world has hap- 
pened ? 

Betty. Everything that could. Mr. Nelson is my 
father and — 

Margaret {astonished). John Nelson.^ Your 
father? 

Betty. Y^'es. Isn't it awful? Seemes to me I can't 
believe it. 

Margaret. Betty, when did you find this out? 

Betty. Just now. 

Margaret. Did he know? 

Betty. No. I guess he's as surprised as I am. Oh, 
Miss Mathewson, he wants me to go away with him. 
And I just can't. I — I love some one in Harbor 
View and I don't want to go away. 

Margaret. You love someone? Oh, you mean your 
grandfather. 

Betty. No, I don't. It isn't tliat k-k-kind of love 
at all. I really 1-1-love someone and maybe I better 
go away, because he d-d-doesn't 1-1-love me. He thinks 
I'm a k-k-kid ! {Bi'cals down completely.) 

Tom ajid Nickerson enter L., followed hy Denning 
and Ketury. 



WAY DOWN ALONG 65 



Tom. There, you see ! Look at that child, crying 
to beat the cars ! I tell you I won't stand it ! 

Nelson appears at door R. Oliver helping liim. 

Nelson. Dr. Bangs, help me please. 

Tom {calming down). Certainly. {Helps Nelson 
to chair.) 

Nelson. You may go, Oliver. (Oliver e.rits R.) 
Now what's the excitement about my daughter? 

Cruger enters L. 

Tom. Just this. It may be true that you are 
Betty's father, but just the same you are a stranger 
to her and I won't stand by and see her forced to do 
something she doesn't want to do just through a sense 
of duty. 

Nelson. And what do you have to do w^ith it? 

Tom. I love Betty. I didn't intend to blurt it out 
like this. I know I'm years too old for her and I 
haven't any idea of forcing myself onto her, but — 

Betty. Oh, Tom, and I thouglit you didn't care ! 

Tom. Thought I didn't care — why — what — 
Betty, you don't mean that you care? 

Betty {coining forward). Of course I do! 

Tom. You — you can't mean that you love me? 

Betty. Of course I do ! 

Tom. Good lord! Say it again! 

Betty. I love you. 

Tom {catching her in his arms). Say it again. 

Betty {laughing). I love you ! 

Nickerson. Well, gorry mighty, break awaj^ ! 

Keturt. I should say as much. Did anyone ever 



66 WAY DOWN ALONG 

see the like? Tom Bangs, do you know this room is 
full of people? 

Tom. What do you suppose I care about that? 
Maybe, Mr. Nelson, jou understand — 

Nelson. I assure you it is perfectly apparent. 
And I assure you that I am not in your way. This 
morning I told Captain Nickerson there was nothing 
but what I would do to make up to my daughter for 
what I didn't do for her mother. I supposed I was in 
a position to make such an offer. It seems that I was 
not. My business partner informs me that he has 
ruined me. That I haven't a cent in the world. It is 
probably true. He wouldn't have any object in say- 
ing it unless- it was true. 

Denning. You bet it's true. 

Nelson. As I understand it, he has been planning 
for about eighteen years to avenge Anna's memory. 

Nickerson. Anna? (To Denning.) What do 
you know about Anna? 

Denning. Tell them who I am, Ketury? 

Ketury (dramatically). He's Enoch Denning. 

Ali,. What? 

Nickerson (stepping forward and looking at Den- 
ning keenly). Gorry mighty, I believe it is. 

Ketury. And I've known it ever since last night. 
My land, you all been blind as bats. 

Betty (looking at Denning). And is that man my 
grandfather? 

Nickerson. No, he ain't, and I'm durned glad of it. 
Enoch Denning was the best friend I ever had, but he 
weren't an Enocli Denning that went around with 
revenge in his heart planning another man's down- 



WyW down along 67 

fall. I'm durnccl glad you ain't got no claim on 
Betty. Who was Anna? You might as well tell us 
now. 

Denning. Anna was Tony Alve's daughter. 

All {iti astonishment). Tony Alve.'^ 

Denning. You remember that Tony used to go to 
sea with me? 

NicKERSON. Yes. 

Denning. He married in one of them foreign ports 
and when Anna was born his wife died. Ton}' went 
crazy about it and never got over it entirely. I knew 
he wasn't fit to bring up a child so my v/ife and I took 
her. 

Tom {to Betty). Then Tony was your grand- 
father. He died last night and he left quite a sum 
of money that he inherited, Betty, that money belongs 
to you. 

Betty. To me? Then I can — (Suddenlij turns 
to Nelson). Mr. Nelson, father — I don't believe I 
had a mother who would want her memory avenged. 
You say Mr. Denning has taken all you have. I don't 
know how much I have got, but whatever it is, I want 
you to invest it for me in something that will help 
you to start again. 

Margaret (going to Nelson). And I will help you 
to start. A year ago I had to turn from you, but now 
that you are in trouble T am glad to know that I havt? 
the right to stand by you. I will marry you tomorrow 
if you say the word. 

Betty and Ketitry (together, while the others ex- 
press their surprise). Miss Mathewson ! Did anybody 
ever ? 



68 WAY DOWN ALONG 

Xel^ox {to Dexxing). r am afraid your re 
isn't quite all that you could ask. (Denning tu> 
(nvay. Nelsox turns to Betty). 

Nelson. And now, little ^irl, there is onh' one who 
has any right to say Avhat your future shall be. 
(Point s to NicKERSON.) The man to whom you owe 
everything. 

Bettv {turns to Nickersox). That is right. 
Grandfather, what do you want me to do.'^ 

Nickersox. The thing that will make you happiest. 

Bettv. Then there is no question. I am going to 
stay with Tom, way down along. 

Tom joins them anil Nickersox stands with one arm 
around Bettv, the other around Tom. 

Curtain. 



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